Pressure ulcer

Patients at risk of pressure damage, or those who have had pressure damage in the past, should be monitored daily to check for early signs of recurrence. This should involve assessing the skin at areas of potential risk and ensuring that appropriate pressure-relieving aids are available and being used appropriately.

Patients should also be regularly repositioned where this is possible. Guidelines recommend that repositioning frequency should be determined with consideration to the individual's level of activity, mobility and ability to independently reposition.[17]European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP), National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP), Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance PPIA). Prevention and treatment of pressure ulcers/Injuries: Clinical practice guideline. The International Guideline, 3rd edition. 2019 [internet publication]. http://www.internationalguideline.com In many institutions, repositioning every 2 hours is the standard of care for at-risk individuals.